On the first day of the academic year, new freshmen are starting their journey at school, while some seniors are back for another year. Juniors are back with more experience and knowledge, creating a positive and optimistic atmosphere filled with opportunities. The upcoming Canadian figure skating season kicks off with the Grand Prix de France, marking the start of a new Olympic quadrennial. Following that, the Skate Canada International will take place, with live coverage available on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem starting Friday at noon ET / 9 a.m. PT.
Gabrielle Daleman, a seasoned member of the team who returned in 2025 after a hiatus, expressed her excitement for the new season and the upcoming challenges. She emphasized the importance of enjoying every moment and being grateful for the opportunities, acknowledging that she is nearing the end of her competitive career. Daleman, a 28-year-old from Toronto, reflected on the struggles of the previous season, highlighting the pressure and stress of Olympic competition.
Despite not qualifying for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics, Daleman remains a pivotal figure in Canada’s national team, transitioning from a young team member in the 2018 Winter Games to a veteran leader. She spoke about her role in supporting and inspiring the new generation of skaters coming up in the sport.
CEO Therese Brisson, a former Olympian herself, is focused on guiding the next wave of talent to Olympic success. With a strategic vision to enhance Canada’s performance in figure skating, Brisson aims to foster a culture of excellence and sustained success on the international stage. She outlined ambitious goals for Skate Canada, aiming to compete for three to four medals at each Olympics by nurturing a pipeline of talented athletes.
As the figure skating season progresses, the spotlight is on emerging talents like Jazmine Desrochers, Kieran Thrasher, Ava Kemp, Yohnatan Elizarov, Marjorie Lajoie, Jean-Luc Baker, Fée Ann Landry, Sara-Maude Dupuis, and Lia Cho. Established skaters like Lia Pereira, Trennt Michaud, Madeline Schizas, and Stephen Gogolev are also looking to make their mark and contribute to Canada’s success in figure skating.
The season ahead is about growth and development, with Daleman serving as a mentor and role model for the aspiring athletes. As Canada’s figure skating community looks towards the future, there is a sense of optimism and determination to continue striving for excellence on the world stage.
